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Have questions about how to start a surrogacy process? At Gestlife, we answer your key questions: requirements, countries, costs, surrogate selection, and legal guarantees.
What are the basic legal requirements to start a surrogacy process?
To begin, intended parents must:
- Sign a contract with the surrogate that complies with the local laws of the chosen country.
- Provide proof of marital status and medical barriers through official medical reports.
- Appoint attorneys in both jurisdictions to ensure parental recognition.
- In altruistic countries, prove they can cover reimbursable expenses; in commercial ones, prove financial solvency.
What is the difference between altruistic and commercial surrogacy?
- Altruistic: The surrogate only receives reimbursement for medical, legal, and living expenses.
- Commercial: Also includes a financial compensation agreed upon in the contract.
How is parentage regulated in the destination country and in Spain?
- In destinations like California or Ukraine, the law directly recognizes the intended parents after the baby is born.
- In Spain, after registration in the Civil Registry, a parental ruling process begins, supported by The Hague Convention.
Can I be an intended parent if I’m single or part of an LGTBI couple?
Yes, many countries like Canada, Greece, or some U.S. states allow singles and LGTBI couples to access surrogacy, provided they meet the country’s legal and medical requirements. Check the Permitted Countries for your profile.
What is the approximate cost in each country and what is included?
- United States (California): From $160,000, includes surrogate compensation, medical, legal, and agency fees.
- Canada (altruistic): Around €120,000, covers medical and legal expenses.
- Ukraine: From €65,000, includes commercial fee and full services.
How is the surrogate selected and what medical tests are performed?
- Gestlife matches based on medical, psychological, and lifestyle profiles.
- Hormonal, genetic, gynecological, and mental health tests are conducted.
- Remote interviews and on-site visits to partner clinics.
What happens if there are complications during the pregnancy?
- The surrogate receives top-tier medical care at accredited clinics.
- Gestlife activates emergency protocols and immediate legal coverage.
- Intended parents can follow the process closely with continuous guidance.
How do I obtain the baby’s passport and nationality?
- After birth, Gestlife coordinates with consulates and local authorities to issue a temporary passport.
- Once in Spain, the baby is registered and Spanish nationality is requested according to the Nationality Law.
What guarantees does Gestlife offer compared to unregulated agencies?
- Contracts audited by international law firms.
- Civil liability insurance and coverage for breaches.
- Transparent costs and constant updates via our Infonow platform.
Learn about our guarantees in Gestlife Commitments.
Is it possible to take legal action if there is a conflict with the surrogate?
- Yes, contracts include mediation and international arbitration clauses.
- Gestlife provides legal counsel to resolve disputes in the country of contract or in Spain.
- Ultimately, local courts specialized in reproductive law may be involved.
